It’s finally here. No, not the heavily-anticipated matchup of the Washington Capitals and Les Canadiens de Montreal (although that is indeed on the books.) RMNBX is today, so get your celly on over at Iron Horse.

The Habs are coming off Thursday night’s 3-1 loss to the Flyers and are leading the Atlantic Division. They’re without Brendan Gallagher but have a scorching top line, featuring none other than Alex Radulov. Don’t underestimate the Habs. They’re not a team that can simultaneously hide behind Carey Price and hang him out to dry; they’re genuinely good.

Puck drop at 1 PM on CSN-MA.

Projected Lines

Probably no Vrana.

Ovechkin – Backstrom – Oshie
Johansson – Kuznetsov – Williams
Connolly – Eller – Burakovsky
Winnik – Beagle – Wilson

Alzner – Carlson
Orlov – Niskanen
Orpik – Schmidt

Holtby

Holtby in Pyeongchang?

Although Ted Leonsis said he’d allow him to, Braden Holtby said he wouldn’t go to the Olympics if NHL season doesn’t shut down for it.

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) February 3, 2017

Storylines

• There are conflicting reports over Evgeny Kuznetsov’s alleged ankle injury.
• A new look at why Nicklas Backstrom is incredibly great and astoundingly underrated.
• Good to see Andrew Shaw taking part in an anti-homophobia initiative.
• Braden Holtby will be rocking some new goalie pants today.
• Welcome back, Jakub Vrana!
• The Alex Ovechkin-Brooks Laich Instagram Saga continues.
• Former Cap Jason Chimera hit the 1,000-game milestone. Congrats, Chimmer!
• The Caps and Wiz are both in first place? Come again?
• The NHL and IOC held talks regarding the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Bill Nye the Fashion Guy

Utterly unrelated to hockey and the NHL, but Bill Nye SLAYED walking for Nick Graham during Men’s Fashion Week.

Bill Nye the Science Guy walking at New York Men’s Fashion Week is the best thing i’ve seen pic.twitter.com/us8jVxNvwY

— FREDDY (@FreddyAmazin) February 3, 2017